The procession wound its way through some of the streets that the officer helped to protect during his 19 years with the Mendota Heights Police Department. The streets — from St. Stephen’s church to the cemetery — were lined with many flags and signs of support for Patrick and his family.

“You can tell that officer Patrick was an important part of the community here,” said Navy Lt. Ruth Primus.

She fought back tears thinking about the husband and father of two who was killed in the line of duty one week ago. During a routine traffic stop, Patrick was fatally shot.

“Just the sacrifice that you know, he made for his family, his community, his loved ones,” Primus said.

The crowd stood at attention as officers from Ontario to Rochester filed by. By-standers held American flags and signs of gratitude as they waited for the hearse holding the body of the man they came to honor.

“It’s helpful for me, I guess, just to pay it forward,” Primus said. “Obviously, there are many others out here that are doing the same.”

Hundreds were on hand to show the Patrick clan just how large their extended family has become.

“I just wanted to give them a bit of strength and comfort,” Primus said.

It’s a display of support that will continue after Patrick is laid to rest.

Angeleah Carrion took the day off to go to the procession. She considers Patrick a part of her family.

“As a community — as fire, police, EMS — I feel like I have to pay my respects to him and his family,” she said.

Thousand of police officers were part of Wednesday’s show of support.

How You Can Help
A Scott Patrick Memorial Fund has been set up through Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. Donations can be made in person at any of the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Branches, or via the following:Phone: 651-291-3700Mail: 175 West Lafayette Frontage Road, St. Paul, MN 55107